Queensland
Luxury castaway
where Haggerstone Island, Cape York Peninsula Like the idea of becoming a castaway on a secluded island? Haggerstone Island, 600 kilometres north of Cairns, might be just the place for your crew. The all-inclusive retreat has just five beachfront villas and is available for private rentals for up to 12. Unleash your inner Robinson Crusoe exploring rugged island nooks and crannies and snorkelling in turtle-filled lagoons. Or amp it up jet-boating and wakeboarding. haggerstoneisland.com.au
I spy platypi
where Yungaburra, Atherton Tablelands
Just 70 kilometres southwest of Cairns in the Atherton Tablelands, Yungaburra is a former timber town with a pretty village that hasn’t changed much since 1910, and a landscape that dates back a further 420 million years. The charming town provides a gateway to a world of farm-fresh food and natural adventures such as the Peterson Creek walking circuit, where you might be lucky enough to spot platypi at play and tree kangaroos going about their business. why not... pack your swimmers for a dip in Lake Eacham or nearby Lake Tinaroo, which is also popular for water sports and fishing. tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
Magic Maggie
where Magnetic Island, Townsville
With its palm-laced beaches and fringing coral reefs, Magnetic Island offers a tropical escape within easy access of Townsville and the Great Barrier Reef – minus the crowds. Known as ‘Maggie’ to its 2,300 residents, the kid-friendly island boasts 23 sparkling bays and beaches fringed by hoop pines and mountains, northern Australia’s largest population of koalas and 26 kilometres of walking trails. townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au
Just gorge-ous!
where Cobbold Gorge, Far North Queensland
Take the road less travelled to Australia’s most gorgeous gorge (boom tish!), where emerald water snakes its way through an ochre-banded valley. Narrowing to just two metres wide in parts, and set amid rugged sandstone formations, Cobbold Gorge in the middle of Outback’s Queensland’s Gulf Savannah is accessible by guided tour only, to protect the area’s natural and cultural heritage. Fit families can immerse themselves in its ancient magic on interpretive walking tours and kayaking or paddleboarding around the narrow bends. fun fact Cobbold Gorge is Queensland’s youngest gorge at a spritely 10,000 years old. cobboldgorge.com.au
Rust and dust
where Big Red, Birdsville
Located 35 kilometres from Birdsville, Big Red is a must-see for adventurous families. Visitors can explore the vibrant 40-metre-high sand dune – the first of 1,140 parallel dunes in the Simpson Desert – by 4WD, stopping to catch a spectacular sunset, or grab a boogie board or a piece of cardboard to surf down its rust-hued sides. Visit in July for the Big Red Bash, the world’s most remote and dustiest music festival. outbackqueensland.com.au
Make like an explorer
where Agnes Water, Gladstone
A tantalising union of abundant forests, tranquil waterways and secluded beaches with rolling surf breaks at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, the coastal town of Agnes Water is one of the closest points to the outer reef. Enjoy gentle days at the butterfly walk and kangaroo sanctuary, or get adventurous – think 4WD expeditions through rugged national parks, beach- and deep-sea fishing and exciting adventures in an amphibious vehicle. why not... head to the neighbouring town of 1770, where another explorer, Captain Cook, first landed in Queensland in 1770. visitagnes1770.com.au